September 17, 2025
Milestone 50th Anniversary Awards celebrate outstanding UOW alumni
Innovation, research excellence, social impact and creative leadership recognised as 精东传媒 marks five decades of independence
The 精东传媒 of 精东传媒 (UOW) marked its 50th anniversary by honouring outstanding alumni and community members at the 50th Anniversary Awards on Friday 12 September 2025.
Vice-Chancellor and President Professor G.Q. Max Lu AO said it was the 精东传媒’s people, it’s staff, students, alumni, partners and leaders, who made UOW a great university.
“What truly inspired me to join UOW was the people of 精东传媒, and their shared commitment to making a difference in the community and the wider world,” Professor Lu said.
“At UOW we have a clear purpose, which is to change lives through education, and to make a positive impact through research and engagement. It is the amazing UOW people – generations of staff, students, alumni, partners, leaders, and all of you here tonight, who have helped to build this great university.”
The evening introduced a 50th Anniversary Council Award for Excellence, alongside UOW’s annual alumni awards for research and scholarship, young alumni, innovation and entrepreneurship, social impact and arts and culture.
Award recipients
50th Anniversary Council Award for Excellence
Distinguished Professor Gerry Swiegers, founder and Chief Technology Officer of clean-energy company Hysata, was recognised for pioneering electrolyser technology that sets a new global standard in green hydrogen production.
Professor Ken McKinnon AO Award for Young Alumni
Astrophysicist Dr Sabine Bellstedt, Research Fellow and Program Scientist for the International WAVES survey, was honoured for her contributions to galaxy mapping and science communication.
Professor Justin Yerbury AM Award for Research and Scholarship
Professor Ranjith Gamage was recognised for world-leading innovations in sustainable mining and geo-engineering, including eco-friendly rock-breaking technology and low-emission green cement.
Jillian Broadbent AC Award for Innovation and Entrepreneurship
Policy leader Carolyn Hough received the award for her pioneering work at the intersection of technology, law and ethics. Through her consultancy Policy Australia, she advises global leaders such as Google, Netflix and Amazon.
Dr Aunty Barbara Nicholson Award for Social Impact
Professor Scott Avery, a proud Worimi man and Professor of Indigenous Disability, Health and Wellbeing at UTS, was honoured for reshaping national understanding of disability through an Indigenous lens.
Dr Guy Warren AM Award for Arts and Culture
Festival director Gill Minervini, best known for leading Vivid Sydney, and multidisciplinary artist Kirli Saunders OAM, acclaimed author, poet and visual artist, were jointly recognised for their creative impact in Australia and internationally.